A large,
fresh-gathered posy in the bosom of the deceased had a most striking
effect, when contrasted ~30~~with the pallidness of death; over the
lower parts of the corpse was spread a counterpane, covered with roses,
marigolds, and sweet-smelling flowers; whilst on his breast reposed the
cross, emblematical of the dead man's faith; and on a table opposite,
at the extreme end, stood an image of our Redeemer, before which burned
four tall lights in massive candlesticks, lent by the priest upon such
occasions to give additional solemnity to the scene. There is something
very awful in the contemplation of death, from which not even the
strongest mind can altogether divest itself. But at a _wake_ the solemn
gloom which generally pervades the chamber of a lifeless corpse is
partially removed by the appearance of the friends of the deceased
arranged around, drinking, singing, and smoking tobacco in profusion.
Still there was something unusually impressive in observing the poor
widow of O'Rafferty, seated at the feet of her deceased lord with an
infant in her arms, and all the appearance of a heart heavily charged
with despondency and grief. An old Irishwoman, seated at the side of
the bed, was making the most violent gesticulations, and audibly calling
upon the spirit of the departed "to see how they onor'd his mimory,"
raising the cross before her, while two or three others came up to the
head, uttered a short prayer, and then sat down to drink his sowl out of
purgation.
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